I share my views on religion, politics and life. They are intertwined! According to George Washington, "Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens."

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Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Notes from the Mayor: East-West Connector, Development South of Lone Peak HS, Highland Fling

The Highland Fling will be held July 28th through August 4th this year. Our theme is “We Rise by Lifting Others.” We expect this to be another great fling. However, in order for this to be the case your help is needed. We need volunteers to help with:

1. the Parade2. Vendors3. Stage entertainment4. Baby Contest5. Garbage Management (this has been used in the past an Eagle Project)6. Graphic Design7. Photography/Videography8. Other events

Please contact Julie Tapusoa at Julie@highlandcity.org or 801-772-4507 to help make this year’s fling one of our best. You can make a difference!

HJR 7: East-West Connector passed the house (70 to 0 with 5 abstentions) and will be voted on in the Senate shortly. Below is a summary of the resolution:

General Description:This joint resolution of the Legislature authorizes the Utah State Developmental Center Board (governing board) to approve the sale or long-term lease land associated with the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) for the purpose of building an east-west connector road.

Highlighted Provisions:This resolution:

recognizes the important role the USDC plays in the provision of resources and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities who have complex or acute needs;

recognizes the contributions that members of the community make to the USDC;

recognizes the value of an east-west connector road for the environment, the economy, the local community, and individuals who visit, volunteer, and work at the USDC; and

authorizes the USDC Board governing board to approve the sale orlong-term lease of land associated with the USDC for the purpose of building an east-west connector road.

SJR 8: Authorizing the sale or lease of 143 acres of state land south of Lone Peak HS passed the Senate last week 20 to 5 with 4 abstentions. Here is a summary of this resolution:

General Description:This joint resolution authorizes the Utah State Developmental Center's governing board to approve the sale or long-term lease of 143 acres of land and water rights. Highlighted Provisions:

This resolution:

recognizes the important role the Utah State Developmental Center plays in the provision of resources and support for disabled individuals with complex or acute needs in Utah; and

authorizes the Utah State Developmental Center's governing board to approve the sale or long-term lease of 143 acres of land and water rights.

My biggest concern with this resolution is if the land is leased Highland City and Alpine School District will be required to provide services (public safety, classrooms, and teachers) for those residing in the area with diminished funding. Diminished funding? Here’s why, if land is owned by the state, the land is exempt from property tax. This means that while the legislature is looking for ways to put more money into public education a state agency could deprive a school district of funds while adding students to the district.

Another concern with leasing is that since the state retains ownership of the land, development on the land is not subject to local ordinances. That is what would allow for the planned high density housing (up to 60 units per acre). Higher density increases infrastructure and service costs for the city and adds an additional burden to the school district.

Here are some charts I put together based on the data from a master plan for the area that was approved by the legislature in 2014.

Please note the information for these charts came from page 43 of the USDC Master Plan which is subject to change. The executive summary states that 255 single family homes are to be constructed. I used the data from page 43 which shows 193 single family homes.

7 comments:

Thanks for posting this information, Rod. The various links do a great job fleshing out what is going on here. In a couple of weeks I will be moving to the part of Cedar Hills immediately east of this development area, so will be affected by the large increase in traffic that 1,000 new housing units would bring. How would I best be able to keep up with developments on development, and provide some input and interaction with those who will make final decisions about disposition of this open land, about to be overwhelmed by development? Mark Steele

I can add you to my email list Mark.I would also recommend that you subscribe to the USDC board on Utah's public meeting notice site. You'll then be notified of meetings and see the agendas. You are welcome to call me as well. 801 318 7141.

The following link has the contact info for the board members you can sent them a note: http://mannkindperspectives.blogspot.com/2017/04/murdock-connector-analysis-of-2017-study.html You can also reach out to the governors office as this is one of his agencies.

Right now the Developmental Center Board are the decision makers. You can write them (see link above that includes board contacts). They were appointed by the governor so you can also share your concern with him. I met with the Dev Center Director and the project manager for the land. Tthe agreed to include members of our community and our city engineer in their planning process going forward. Alpine School District, Cedar Hills, and A.F. are also interested in participating. If you correspond with the governor's office or board I would appreciate being copied on emails or letters. Feel free to call me as well.

Is the map above a correct representation of the 143 acres referenced in SJR 8, or should it be lower? The map in the "Murdock Connector..." section above shows the USDC land ending about where the middle road proposal has the connector road.

Thought of the Moment

"I sat in my study for a long time trying to think if I had ever known a happy person who was unkind or unpleasant to be with. And guess what? I couldn’t think of one—not a single, solitary one. So learn this great truth early in life: You can never build your happiness on someone else’s unhappiness." Jeffrey R. Holland, The Gospel Path to Happiness, Ensign, September 2017. Taken from “Living after the Manner of Happiness,” delivered at Brigham Young University–Idaho on September 23, 2014